October 10, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Week seven of high school football included a big upset and thrilling comeback wins

(Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Week seven of high school football in Orange County was a memorable one.

It started Thursday night when Charles Hughes, Sergio Torres and Cristian Ramos led league-leading Santa Ana to an Orange Coast League victory over Costa Mesa. The Saints host Saddleback Friday night for homecoming, then have a bye before their showdown with Orange.

… Orange kept its hopes alive for an Orange Coast League title with a 56-29 victory over Calvary Chapel. The Panthers are 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the league. The Panthers host Estancia Saturday at 7 p.m. at Fred Kelly Stadium. St. Margaret’s (3-4, 2-1) had a bye. The Tartans host Costa Mesa Friday night.

Then on Friday night:

…. Troy’s football team, coached by Michael Echaves, snapped La Habra’s 33-game league winning streak going back to 2016 with a stunning 27-21 Freeway League victory.

…. Also in the Freeway League, Sunny Hills rallied in the second half to defeat Fullerton.

…..Crean Lutheran and Tustin notched decisive Empire League victories to set up a showdown for first place in the Empire League Friday night at Crean Lutheran. Crean Lutheran, Tustin and Cypress are tied for first place.

Cypress still has games left with Valencia Thursday night on the road, Crean Lutheran Saturday, Oct. 21 at Western and Friday, Oct. 27 at Tustin.

…. Northwood snapped a two-game losing streak with a victory over University, led by Joseph Harper, who was playing with a fractured wrist. Laguna Hills (7-0), the favorite to win the Pacific Coast League, had a bye.

….. Santa Ana Valley won its second straight Orange League game with a strong defensive effort vs. Anaheim.

…. Beckman rallied to defeat Portola in the final non-league game for both teams.

…. Mater Dei rolled in a Trinity League game at Santa Ana Stadium vs. JSerra, winning 42-0. The Monarchs are 7-0 overall and 2-0 in the Trinity League.

….. Capistrano Valley, coached by Sean Curtis, improved its record to 7-0 with a 42-19 victory over Aliso Niguel.

On to week eight!

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